2 DAY TRIP - HOARWITHY

2 DAY OVERNIGHT CANOE HIRE TRIP FROM HOARWITHY TO SYMONDS YAT

Day 1 - Hoarwithy to Ross on Wye - 12miles

Day 2 - Ross on Wye to Symonds Yat - 14miles

Day 1 - CANOEING FROM HOARWITHY TO ROSS ON wye

From Hoarwithy the river heads south into a long left handed curve which ends with you pointing in a north easterly direction. At the point where the river takes a right handed turn the river becomes very wide and still and you can happily drift along this section taking in the amazing scenery and wildlife. Around this bend is a place called Hole in the wall, there is a footbridge across the river here and on the south side you can find the village of Sellack. It is a 5 minute walk to the St. Tysilio's Church which is well worth your time. Around Fawley and How Caple are fishing nurseries - please do not disturb the fish. Landing in this area is discouraged to avoid disturbing the fish fry in shallow waters.

The River Wye takes another switchback turn following which you will pass under Foy Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge. There are some strong currents along this section especially when the river is running low, as the water winds around the shingle beaches.

When canoeing from Hoarwithy to Ross on Wye it is important to remember to bring provisions along with you in the form of a picnic, so you can eat your lunch on the river bank, unlike some of the other sections along the Wye this section does not have anywhere to buy food or drink en route, so make sure you are properly prepared.

At the end of your first day you will finish in Ross on Wye for your overnight stop off. There are options for both camping and guest houses. Camping costs are usually £6 - £7 per person. Visit our Ross on Wye accommodation page to see our recommendations. Ross on Wye accommodation page

day 2 - CANOEING FROM ROSS ON WYE TO symonds yat

From Ross on Wye your course will take you past Goodrich Castle sited high on a hill overlooking the River Wye and the Wye Valley. Not many people see the castle from this side, and seeing the dark silhouette along the cliffline really makes you appreciate the history of the castle and it's dungeons.

Shortly after you and your canoe will pass beneath Kerne Bridge. The public landing point is a few hundred meters below the bridge on the left hand side. Stopping at this public launch point during the peak season can be difficult due to the high demand, but the Inn on The Wye is well worth the stop for a pub lunch.

Setting off from Kerne Bridge you will pass through Lower Lydbrook, and navigate around a small island. This is only 25 minutes downstream but you may wish to take a break here as there are refreshments that can be purchased here. There is a picnic area on River left and the Forgehammer pub set back up a nearby road.

Continuing your canoeing along the Wye you will pass Welsh Bicknor on river right and English Bicknor on your left. At Welsh Bicknor there is a former rectory with a church in the grounds, and a large grassy area ideal for picnics. The YHA here also sells refreshments like tea, coffee, cake and ice-cream, a great place to spend 30 minutes of your life, with amazing views looking down the Wye Valley.

Shortly after is the area where the 18th century Rev. Gilpin first introduced the word 'picturesque' to the English language in describing the surrounding landscape. For him it defined "that kind of beauty which is agreeable in a picture".

When the river starts to turn west you will come through a beautiful valley. You will find Ship Rock high above your left shoulder. The cliffs that run along the skyline are Coldwell Rocks, home to the Peregrine falcon. The end of the line of cliffs is marked by Symonds Yat Rock. As you come under the rocks there is a shingle beach that backs onto a meadow on the opposite side, which acts as the perfect pit stop for a snack.

From here the River Wye takes a long wide oval course, nearly coming back on itself at Symonds Yat. But before reaching Symonds Yat you will paddle your canoe under Huntsham Bridge (the green bridge) and it takes about 25 minutes back from here.

As you enter Symonds Yat West you will see large boulders on the left, this is the landmark we advise paddlers to remember as our landing point is on the right just opposite them.

To book this trip or find out the cost just fill in the first 5 drop down boxes using the booking tool on the booking page and it will give you a total price based on how many boats and people you have got.